Understand Your Breast Cancer Treatment Plan

According to CDC data, breast cancer is the most prevalent form of Cancer in the United States. The data revealed that in 2006 there were close to 191,410 women who were diagnosed with breast cancer. Out of these 40,000+ women died from it. It is the most common cause of death from cancer amongst Hispanic women and second most common cause of death from cancer amongst African American women.

According to a recent study quoted on Wikipedia, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer, if we assume that all women were to live till age 95! While this is a bit unrealistic, it is known that the number of breast cancer cases is quite high. Surely, there are a large number of women out there who need correct information on their treatment.

Usually, patients are surprised when they find that treatment of each case of breast cancer is different. Discussions in the waiting room are common about this issue. This article will shed some light on the matter. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about your breast cancer treatment plan.

Why is Each Case Of Breast Cancer Unique?
All living beings are made up of cells. The cells are controlled by the DNA, which instructs them to perform functions. Over a period of time, these DNA can get disturbed. If they go bad, the cells get instructions to grow very rapidly causing the tumor which causes cancer. But almost each cell formed in the tumor is unique, since the DNA is undergoing a change. Hence, just like each of us has unique fingerprints, each patient has unique cancer cells.

The Range of Treatments Offered:
The range of treatments offered can be startling for a patient. Treatments options include surgery, chemotherapy (use of radiation to destroy cells), medication, hormonal therapy (estrogen reduction therapy). Moreover, a combination of these treatments is usually required. Patients are often left wondering, if they are receiving the right treatment since they have to alternate between so many treatment options.

Why are so Many Treatment Options Required?
Since each cell in the tumor is fundamentally different, what kills them is also different. This is why an extensive range of lab tests often precedes the treatment. Doctors are trying to determine the kind of cells and what will best destroy them. Chemotherapy may be best suited to a certain class of cells. However, it may be completely ineffective on another class of cells. Many times, doctors are not able to determine what treatment would work best. In such cases, they use trial and error. Treatment is complex and requires continuous monitoring of the effect that is taking place on the infected cells.

Is Breast Cancer Eradicated By One Treatment Plan?
Breast cancer may or may not be eradicated at one go. In certain cases, there are some hidden cells which survive the treatment. As soon as they find conditions conducive again, they start multiplying. Doctors usually keep a check on the tumor growth for some time. This helps them take action as soon as the hint of a relapse arises. Second rounds of treatment are very common. In many cases, multiple rounds of treatments are required if the cells are very resistant.

Why Second Rounds Of Treatment May Require A Different Treatment Plan?
Cells have the property of developing resistance. Over the period of time, they learn to deal with the medication. Thus the medication which killed their predecessors may be completely ineffective on them. Hence, the second round of treatment must follow the regular course of lab tests, trial and error and determination of the best mode of treatment.

Aromasin, is a medication which is extensively used in the treatment of breast cancer. It is usually used after 2 to 3 years of Tamoxifen use to reduce the rate of recurrence.